From Child Star to IAS Officer: HS Keerthana’s Unbelievable Journey From Spotlight to Civil Services

KKN Gurugram Desk | Imagine being a successful actress by the age of 16—with 32 films and 48 television shows to your credit—and then walking away from fame to chase a dream rooted in service. That’s not the plot of a biopic. That’s the real-life journey of HS Keerthana, a child star from the Kannada entertainment industry who cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam and became an IAS officer.

Her story is not just inspirational—it’s a testament to determination, second chances, and unwavering ambition.

The Star Child Who Conquered Kannada Cinema

HS Keerthana began her career in the limelight at the tender age of 4. Born and raised in Hosakere village, Kunigal Taluk, Tumkur district of Karnataka, Keerthana quickly became a household name in the Kannada film industry.

She starred in numerous hit films like:

• Kapurada Gombe

• Upendra

• Ganga Yamuna

• Hubballi

• O Mallige

• Lady Commissioner

• …and many others

Alongside, she appeared in 48 popular TV shows, winning hearts with her expressive performances and screen presence.

Despite Success, She Chose a Different Path

While most people dream of fame and stardom, Keerthana had another vision in mind—a dream shared with her father, who always hoped to see her in civil services. After reaching the peak of her early acting career, Keerthana made the bold decision to leave acting behind and pursue a career that would allow her to contribute more directly to society.

“I knew I had a responsibility bigger than myself. I loved acting, but I always felt drawn toward public service,” she said in an old interview.

Academic Excellence and Engineering Background

After finishing school, Keerthana didn’t immediately jump into UPSC. She chose to study engineering, earning a degree while still balancing public appearances and finishing her acting commitments.

In 2011, she cleared the Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) exam—her first step into the world of governance.

The Road to UPSC: A Tough Climb

Keerthana’s journey to cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam wasn’t a fairy tale. She faced five failed attempts, each one challenging her resolve. But she never gave up.

“Every failure taught me something new—about the exam, about life, and most importantly, about myself,” she once shared in a motivational talk.

Finally, in her sixth attempt, Keerthana succeeded and secured an impressive All India Rank 167 in the 2019 UPSC CSE.

Awards and Recognition in Film Before IAS

Before her switch, Keerthana’s contribution to Indian cinema wasn’t unnoticed. She received several state and national awards for her performances. Her talent, especially as a child actor, left an indelible mark on Kannada audiences.

Why Her Story Matters Today

At a time when social media chases superficial success, Keerthana’s journey is a reminder that resilience, depth, and substance still matter. Her success in UPSC is not just an academic achievement—it’s a powerful message to dreamers across the country:

You can start over. You can fail. You can win.

From the Screen to the Streets: Now Serving as an IAS Officer

Today, HS Keerthana serves as a respected Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, working in areas that directly impact rural development and education. She often uses her public speaking skills—honed from years in the industry—to motivate young students, especially girls.

Her transformation from child star to nation builder is nothing short of cinematic. Perhaps one day, a movie will be made on her life. But until then, her real-life script continues to inspire millions.

HS Keerthana’s story is not about changing careers. It’s about changing narratives—of what success looks like, of what dreams mean, and how determination beats every odd.

In a country where UPSC is one of the toughest exams in the world, this former actress has rewritten her destiny—one answer sheet at a time.